[2]You want the latest Janet Evanovich? You go to the library. You have a big report due?. You go to the library. Your grandma always said you have royal blood and you want confirmation? You go to the library. But what if you want to get your hands on an iPad before you sink your cash into one? What if you need to learn Microsoft Excel and get some help polishing your resumé? What if somebody said, “Just google me” and all you could do was blush?
Answer: You go to the library.
While Harris County Public Library continues to fulfill its traditional duties as the go-to resource for research and homework help, and as provider of current and classic books, music and movies, customers’ needs are ever-evolving. More and more, those needs involve new and emerging technologies.
HCPL is meeting those needs:
- Since March of this year, Harris County Public Library has provided over 31,000 contact hours of free technology training to over 17,000 customers.
- While many in our community feel very much at home in the Digital Age, there are many others who, because of lack of access and other factors, are at risk of being left behind. For them HCPL offers beginner level classes ranging from workshops in keyboard and mouse skills, to email account setup and internet safety.
- For job seekers (and those who just want to polish their skills), HCPL offers multi-session courses in the Microsoft software that employers value most including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher, in addition to online job search, resumé writing and interview skills training.
- For the more advanced users, HCPL branches offer classes in digital photography, file and folder management, social media, and genealogical research among many others.
- The new technology is no doubt exciting, but the sheer number of choices can be daunting. HCPL’s Technology Petting Zoo gives customers hands-on experience with some of the newest gadgets on the market before they buy, including Apple iPad and Android tablets, and a range of eReaders like Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Sony Reader.
- With HCPL’s Digital Media Catalog customers can download over 14,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks and music titles to their home PC, Mac, eReader, smartphone or tablet anywhere they have an internet connection
All programs are free and open to the public. For more information about the branch closest to you, call 713-749-9000 or log on to www.hcpl.net [3]
Photo Credit: 140/365 Computer Magic [2] by Sarah G [4].
- Adult Programs [5]
- computer training [6]
- seniors programs [7]
- technology training [8]
